Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Truth #2

Sweet Reflection

Rate this book
Laurel Matthews’ career rests on helping brides-to-be with their most important wedding purchase – their dress. She will go to any length to ensure her customers get their perfect happily ever after, but has accepted the fact she may not get hers. The only two men she ever loved, left her, and she vowed not to let the heartbreak happen a third time. She leaves guys before they leave her and usually she’s fine with that, until one night that she can’t remember, changes everything.

James Dawson, self-proclaimed ladies’ man and all round womaniser has the best one night stand he’s ever had and does he get the chance to repeat it? No, because she can’t even remember it! With his ego pushing him to remedy that immediately he sets about pursuing the woman who could easily be his downfall.

When someone from James’ past settles herself in town and threatens the reprise he was hoping for, will he be able to overcome the temptation and prove himself to be the man Laurel can’t live without? Or will they both let underlying fears, past mistakes and uncertain futures lead them down a different path?

Book Two in the Truth Series. Can be read as a stand alone.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 18, 2014

88 people want to read

About the author

Grace Henderson

5 books25 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
10 (28%)
4 stars
16 (45%)
3 stars
5 (14%)
2 stars
2 (5%)
1 star
2 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews322 followers
March 28, 2014
Sweet Reflection (Truth #2) by Grace Henderson
4 stars!!

“Girls like her don’t come around very often, but when they do, you gotta be smart enough to grab hold of them and never let go.”

I have not read the first book in this series, but after reading this one I now want to. This could be read as a standalone but the characters from the first book are present in the second book so it would probably be best to read them in order.

Laurel owns a bridal boutique and spends all her time helping women choose the dress for the best day of their lives. She takes her job seriously and invests her time and emotions in giving the best service to make their dreams come true. Unlucky in love herself Laurel has gone off men, having had a failed relationship and being the wounded party, she just can’t put herself out there again, her heart couldn’t take it. However, she did have a one night stand once after a drinking binge…shame she couldn’t remember it.

“Well if you’re going to give a girl the best sex of her life, then I think you should make sure she is sober enough to remember it in the morning, don’t you?”

James, eternally the womaniser and the king of one night stands, never had sex with the same girl twice, never even wanted to, not until… He had the best sex of his life one night, random hook-up as usual, but this one was different, he wanted a repeat performance, he liked this girl, shame she didn’t hang around in the morning so they could swap details…no while he was asleep, she had upped and left. Having never been on the receiving end it hurt, especially as this one had affected him so badly, he wanted more and he couldn’t stop thinking about her.

As in all good romances their paths do cross again, their best friends are engaged, with the nuptials impending will the best man and the bridesmaid be able to look at each other again?

“And since then I have come to realise that once a man-whore, always a man-whore.”

I absolutely loved this story, the underlying sexual tension and chemistry was there in spades and came across within the story perfectly. Laurel knows all about James’s history and this is a bitter pill to swallow. They have that love/hate relationship, the bickering, the insults, the banter all with sexual undertones will have you laughing your head off, but the mutual attraction is obvious and to me it was a case of when and not if they would finally bite the bullet and take that chance on each other.

“Pick your battles wisely. If what she wants isn’t life or death; if it doesn’t affect your morals or values; if it will make her happy; if in five minutes, five days, five weeks you aren’t going to remember the argument, just give her what she wants. Chances are, you will both be happier for it!”

This book does have underlying plot lines that will make you squirm and get a bit angry; it is sad in places and hilarious in others, a great blend that balances out the love, hate, drama and angst. It isn’t all plain sailing but it makes for a great, fab, interesting and enjoyable read and as I said above I am now going to go back and read the first. Great job Grace Henderson!

www.theromancecover.com
188 reviews35 followers
March 31, 2014
☆☆☆ 4.5 STARS!!! ☆☆☆

→ FULL REVIEW: Clickety click ;) + GIVEAWAY & TEASERS!

**ARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**

Sweet Reflection was such a fucking delightful read. It was funny, sexy, angsty, all mixed into one. My favorite combo! The characters hooked me in from the start with Laurel being a confident, successful heroine and James being far from the stereotypical hot guy, him being a designer and super fucking sweet. The story drew me in with the increase in intensity and passion between the two. One of my favorites this year!

I love love LOVE a heroine with sass and confidence. Laurel is sexy and had gotten hurt before by her ex which of course caused her to resort to more sexual relationships (shocker). I absolutely loved her character even though I got annoyed with her in some parts.

Then James comes along and practically flips her life around. Because with him, she feels things.

James has a huge-ass ego. Like not even earth-huge, but universe-holy-fuck-that's-big huge. So when Laurel didn't remember the one time she slept with him, his poor ego got bruised.



And so he makes it his mission to charge on and remind her of the great sex they had. And probably have a rerun of it.



But due to miscommunication and self-preserving defense mechanisms from both parties, they end up insulting and hurting each other. Every single time they're together, they always manage to shove sticks up each other's asses (metaphorically).

Once they called a truce though. BAM! SEXUAL TENSION ALL OVER THE PLACE! But they also become best friends which I fucking loooove. Anywhoo, they become casual around each other and they hang out a lot.

Laurel: “Perv.”
James: “Gorgeous.”
Laurel: “Casanova.”
James: “Stunning.”
Laurel: “[breath hitches] Full of it.”
James: “[whispers] Angel.”


God, this book was just a huge wow.

- - -

To see more of my reviews, go to Sam's Book Basket ;)
Profile Image for Booky Ramblings.
47 reviews7 followers
April 8, 2014
This is book 2 in the Truth series. You can read them as stand alone book. I had not read the first book in the series but that didn't matter. The only instance I felt slightly lost is when you meet the characters from the first book. You feel as though missed something but this doesn't effect the story at all.

This is a fresh story. It felt great to be reading about our fair London with characters in realistic jobs, leading realistic lives. This gives a feeling of empathy with the characters. Both of which I loved. James and Laurel are our love birds in Sweet Reflection. What starts as a one night drunken fling turns into a full blown romance. I love how the story grows from the beginning. The banter that they share is great throughout the book and full of sexual tension. I was rooting for them because they are just so perfect together.

This story comes without much drama which is really refreshing to read if you want something easy to pick up. It is a fun book but there are some emotional bits that will choke you up. There were a few instances where I wanted to know more. Laurel's ex pops up a few times in conversation then we finally bump into him later in the book but I don't feel the meeting was really needed, brief as it was. I would have liked to know a bit more of her history with him there but that is out of my own curiousity.

The sex scenes are rather juicy. For starters, we have two hotties that have sparks flying between them. Sexual tension is radiating between them from the start so when they do finally get down to business, the fireworks pop. I felt like a somewhat pervy fly on the wall ;) which is what we want truthfully right?

I thoroughly enjoyed Sweet Reflection and would recommend it to anyone that likes a good romance. I would also like to read about some of the other characters so I will definately be looking out for the next in the series :)
Profile Image for Lisa.
342 reviews6 followers
May 14, 2014
~~ An enjoyable passionate romanctic read filled with twists, turns, and heat!
I just finished reading "Sweet Reflection". It was an enjoyable romantic read. The buildup from a no-strings attached sexual encounter to a relationship between Laurel and James was great.
It was well written with a good storyline without a lot of the usual "too sweet to be true" romance a lot of stories have. It has all the components - antagonistic exes, broken hearts, friends, intimacy, and family turmoil. The characters were well developed and real with distinct personalities. The main characters are robust and interesting with spirit. I loved the character of Ryan - he was handsome, sweet, and a good friend. He was attracted to Laurel but chose to help her and James see that they needed each other, instead of pursuing his own desires. James - he's sexy, determined, and a great catch when caught. I was surprised by his occupation though. I saw him more as the architect type. Laurel - the beautiful, broken hearted girl looking for a good time with no strings attached to prevent further hurt. And then the story wouldn't be complete without Alex - the evil, antagonistic ex that wants James for more than a hook-up.
I enjoyed the multiple POV's and thought they added depth to the characters. I enjoyed seeing James lay his feelings out for Laurel and get real. It was also refreshing to see a woman not recognize so end she had slept with prior for a change. The letter from Laurels father added a layer of emotion, as did the illness of her mom. Then throw in the buy-out confrontation at the end and you've got a great story.
Profile Image for Mary Jo.
2,374 reviews59 followers
May 27, 2014
Laurel has given up on love and seeks solace in random 1-night stands. This is how she copes with having her heart broken around the same time her father died. She feels everyone she loves leaves her. Then one night she hooks-up with James and the one thing they have in common, they both do 1-night stands, not relationships. Now James has a conundrum, he can't get Laurel out of his head which should be ok except she doesn't remember their 1-night. I really liked how Grace Henderson didn't immediately put James and Laurel together, these 2 have a love/hate back and forth relationship of misunderstandings but for them to really get together they both have to realize that the 1-night stands aren't working anymore. You would think this would be enough to overcome but life doesn't work that way. Enter one of James random hook-ups, who happens to be a client, and she doesn't like anyone turning her down … she is sort of psycho … it's interesting how she infiltrates James world to cause trouble and a bit surprising at times. Will Laurel be able to move forward from the loss and pain to embrace love? I enjoyed the group of friends/family that surround Laurel and Jams. Grace gives you a great romance that feels like a story you could hear from one of your own friends.
Profile Image for Sue Parker.
1,258 reviews14 followers
May 12, 2014
This was a fun story about Laurel who owns a bridal store and James who is an interior designer. Laurel had a boyfriend that left her when she needed him the most. Now she only does one night stands so she doesn't get attached. James is a typical man-whore. They hook up and James is so smitten that he is willing to break his rule and go for a second date. Only problem is he finds bout she is best friends with his buddy's girlfriend. And that she doesn't remember the best night of his life. What a blow to his ego. Then the cat and mouse game begins. This goes on for quite a while. Laurel likes James and he likes her but they can't stop nipping at each other. Her business is booming but then some strange stuff starts happening and is it James's fault? Enter crazy bitch who wants James for herself. There are a lot of other stories going on at the same time and I really like how they all intertwine together. Truly an enjoyable book.
Profile Image for Donna Porter.
1,034 reviews9 followers
September 10, 2014
Laurel Matthews believes in happily ever after, but she believes she will never have hers. She owns a bridal shop so she deals with happy brides ever day. Now she is trying to make sure her best friend gets her happily ever after with her fiance. James Dawson is a single handsome man who jumps from one woman to the next. That's the way he likes his life. Then he meets Laurel and he knows that is going to change. This story has a lot of past regrets for both of them. Then they both have people in their lives who interfere with their relationship. Lastly an old girlfriend of James tries to get even with James through the woman he is attracted to. I cried at a few things in this book and it will hold your interest. It does contain some profanity and sexual scenes so it may not be for everyone. You'll will enjoy this story
Profile Image for Elaine.
1,128 reviews3 followers
February 15, 2014
Honest review: Couldn't put it down. I didn't read the first one, but this is a great stand alone. The complete denial between James and Laurel was outstanding. How James was the one showing how he was so girlie was awesome. I LOVED IT. I loved the friends around them. How when the two did finally get together the way they tried to play off not being together was amazing. I just hated how Laurel would just let Dickhead Darren enter her thoughts and make her believe that James would do the same. So much wasted time and love lost. I hope and pray another book will come out for Jen and Ryan. Thank you for the book. It was wonderful.
Profile Image for Toni.
269 reviews4 followers
May 24, 2014
I was lucky to be gifted this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book, the chemistry between the two main characters is electric, James is super hot and Laurel is feisty and together they make the pages sizzle as you read. James spots a hot girl in a bar that looks familiar, laurel can't remember the night they spent together, but James can't forget. Unfortunately for them their best friends are a couple so they can't escape each other. They dance around each other and fight the attraction but soon something's got to give. Will the past affect what might be, only time will tell in sweet reflection. A great book that's highly recommended.
Profile Image for Moon Reviews.
603 reviews13 followers
May 7, 2014
You know you have a great book between your hands when you can't stop reading! And Sweet Reflection is no exception! Totally addictive, James and Laurel's love's story is enhanced with nasty-deceptive exes, heart breaking family history, life threatening diseases of loved ones and amazing friends!!!! Well written, with amazing characters, an interesting story full of twists and plot, heat and passion you can't put this book down!!!! You'll have butterflies in your stomach all through!!! Just a pure pleasure!!!! Two thumbs up!!!!!
Profile Image for Cassie Hess-dean.
668 reviews10 followers
July 15, 2014
Totally enjoyed this book.
James and Laurel are both players, or at least they pretend to be. This is how they survive without allowing people to get close to them. One night together; James will never forget it and Laurel doesn't remember anything after leaving the bar. But there is something that draws them together. Can they stop hurting each other long enough to realize they are perfect for each other?
They both have suffered loss and now they have a chance to support each other. Can they make it work? Or will James's past ruin their possible future?
Profile Image for Halos Horns .
73 reviews6 followers
April 8, 2014
i could not put it down. James fell for Laurel after a one night stand that he cant forget. The only problem is Laurel had so much to drink she cant remember, this only makes the chase for enticing for James after his ego is crushed. He will do anything for one more night with Laurel. The banter between James is Laurel a roller coaster of emotions and angst filled passion. I recommend this 4.5 star hot and steamy book ... Grace Henderson does not disappoint.
TIA
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews64 followers
April 4, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the cute sexual banter between James and Laurel. This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. When James and Laurel finally get together the book really heats up. The sex scenes in this book are hot! The secondary characters in this book help round everything out and makes the story even better. This is a good quick read book
Profile Image for L.A. Miller.
Author 9 books16 followers
May 25, 2014
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review and delightfully surprised. I loved the chemistry between Laurel and James. I have to admit I did not read the first book but intend on going back to read it, not because it is necessary but because I enjoyed this book so much. It was a refreshing romance.
4 reviews
October 10, 2014
Good Read

Story had a nice flow, kept me interested and I liked the way the "situation" was handled. Sometimes I think author's tend to over dramatize, that was not the case here. First time reading this author, I like her style and will happily read her other book. Nicely done.
1,098 reviews19 followers
June 7, 2014
Light and funny read. Laurel is a hoot. She has met her match in James, but either want to admit to that. The commentary between the two of them had me in stitches. One night stands can apparently keep turning up to smack you in between the eyes, again and again.
Profile Image for Monica Akinyi Odhiambo.
288 reviews12 followers
October 9, 2014
This book is great...I couldn't have asked for anything better.Had me literally crying in some parts when I thought Laurel was being stubborn,she had hardships and struggles but James was a strong man.I would want a man just like James,even if its just a fictional character.
Profile Image for Diamond Drake.
Author 3 books107 followers
Read
May 8, 2014
I don't think it would be fair to leave a review for Sweet Reflection. It's just not my personal taste but I imagine fans of YA will enjoy it. Best of luck to the author.
Profile Image for Catherine.
247 reviews14 followers
October 7, 2014
Glad it was free 'cause it wasn't particularly good. The cheese factor, at the end, was too much so I skimmed the last third just to finish.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.